11 June 2004

SPT says quality first on rail franchise announcement

Following today's announcement that First Group is to be the preferred bidder for Scotland's railway franchise, Strathclyde Passenger Transport's (SPT) Chairman, Cllr Alistair Watson, has moved to reassure passengers that SPT will continue to use its regional powers to ensure that quality does not lose its place to price on the franchise agenda.

Cllr Watson said, "We are a signatory to the franchise contract and that gives us a real ability to put passengers first. I will now be calling for a full meeting of the Authority to pore over the details of this bid. We will get our teeth into the details and fully scrutinise them.

"In the last franchising exercise we were not content to accept any backward step in quality and that is the position we are taking now.

"SPT is Scotland's only Passenger Transport Authority. We specify the routes, timetables, fares and quality standards for every train service and station within Strathclyde and on certain routes outside the area.

"Rail patronage on SPT services topped 41million in the last twelve months and SPT believes that a well managed, efficient railway network is essential to achieving future growth.

"The Strathclyde commuter system is the biggest such network outside London and represents a key element in the new franchise. SPT is keen to go on developing these services in partnership with the eventual winner of the franchise to make sure that high levels of train reliability and punctuality are delivered across Scotland's rail network.

"Seven years ago bidders were invited to present proposals for replacing existing rolling stock, improving passenger security and improving access, information and other passenger facilities.

"We required the franchise operator to comply with the Passengers' Charter and to work with us on joining up journeys by offering tickets valid on a range of public transport systems such as trains, buses and the Subway.

"We required measurable improvements in punctuality, reliability, capacity, on train services and station services.

"Passengers can rest assured we will push for the same level of continuous improvement in the quality of services provided by the new franchise holder."

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